Product Reviews

4Stunning, absorbing and truly Great in every sense!

Posted: 31/08/2007

What makes a great anime show over a good anime show? Or even a bad one for that matter...It's about blending elements and getting them to work together successfully. In Rahxephon the elements of deep emotions, Mecha, music, science, religion, relationships, family and even unlined racism are added and fundamentally, blended beautifully to make one of the most amazing anime series ever.

First off, this show is visually a feast for the eye. With crisp, clear animation, which despite not being the greatest in an anime show (in terms of attention for detail), is very effective, bright and colourful to the eye. Some of the battle sequences, such as the original Tokyo Jupiter invasion involving Elvy Hadhiyat and Allegretto in a dogfight is excellently choreographed being executed with style and artistry. All the characters in Rahxephon are beautifully designed also. From the quite ordinary boy, Ayato Kamina to the reserved, Quon Kisaragi. The purely macabre Helena Bahbem to the interestingly 'wise old' figure of Seiya Rikudoh. All are wonderfully written and share great layers of depth and scope. With the best instances in the show being that of Dr.Itsuki Kisaragi and Makoto Isshiki. You sense a lot of history with these characters and in the case of Makoto, a real sense of hidden malevolence, making them so compelling to the viewer. It is something that most Anime just can't produce despite there best intentions. The key being, managing to create believable characters in a fictional world. Another area in which this series really excels is the music.(With it being a huge theme throughout) The Mu, the antagonists of the piece, are creatures of music and tone and for this the creators decided, as is the way in these apocalyptic dramatisations, that Classical should be the music of choice. Whilst this adds a real strength to the emotion of the show overall, striking the right notes, this does raise a curious connection. That of Neon Genesis Evangelion, which decided to use classical producing and existing classical tracks in the day to day lives of their characters. This connection with Evangelion is seen in other areas as well, including scenarios and set pieces.

This series is a wonderful piece of emotional anime with classic design work and classic characters. Excelling in every department, including the area Evangelion failed on. A fitting and compelling ending. Both in the series and the movie endings. It's not a rip off of Evangelion, but another piece of work with similarities, that stands on it's own, in it's own right. People debate, which of them is better, saying you can only like one or the other. This is wrong in my opinion, with both being Genius (in a word) and excelling in different areas. But I can only see the comparison as a pure compliment to Rahxephon. That after it's ran it's course the show is constantly being compared to one of the greatest anime series ever.Rahxephon comes highly recommended and for some parts of the series, it is the best Anime around. It very rarely gets better than this. 9/10

4Stunning, absorbing and truly Great in every sense!

Posted: 31/08/2007

What makes a great anime show over a good anime show? Or even a bad one for that matter...It's about blending elements and getting them to work together successfully. In Rahxephon the elements of deep emotions, Mecha, music, science, religion, relationships, family and even unlined racism are added and fundamentally, blended beautifully to make one of the most amazing anime series ever.

First off, this show is visually a feast for the eye. With crisp, clear animation, which despite not being the greatest in an anime show (in terms of attention for detail), is very effective, bright and colourful to the eye. Some of the battle sequences, such as the original Tokyo Jupiter invasion involving Elvy Hadhiyat and Allegretto in a dogfight is excellently choreographed being executed with style and artistry. All the characters in Rahxephon are beautifully designed also. From the quite ordinary boy, Ayato Kamina to the reserved, Quon Kisaragi. The purely macabre Helena Bahbem to the interestingly 'wise old' figure of Seiya Rikudoh. All are wonderfully written and share great layers of depth and scope. With the best instances in the show being that of Dr.Itsuki Kisaragi and Makoto Isshiki. You sense a lot of history with these characters and in the case of Makoto, a real sense of hidden malevolence, making them so compelling to the viewer. It is something that most Anime just can't produce despite there best intentions. The key being, managing to create believable characters in a fictional world. Another area in which this series really excels is the music.(With it being a huge theme throughout) The Mu, the antagonists of the piece, are creatures of music and tone and for this the creators decided, as is the way in these apocalyptic dramatisations, that Classical should be the music of choice. Whilst this adds a real strength to the emotion of the show overall, striking the right notes, this does raise a curious connection. That of Neon Genesis Evangelion, which decided to use classical producing and existing classical tracks in the day to day lives of their characters. This connection with Evangelion is seen in other areas as well, including scenarios and set pieces.

This series is a wonderful piece of emotional anime with classic design work and classic characters. Excelling in every department, including the area Evangelion failed on. A fitting and compelling ending. Both in the series and the movie endings. It's not a rip off of Evangelion, but another piece of work with similarities, that stands on it's own, in it's own right. People debate, which of them is better, saying you can only like one or the other. This is wrong in my opinion, with both being Genius (in a word) and excelling in different areas. But I can only see the comparison as a pure compliment to Rahxephon. That after it's ran it's course the show is constantly being compared to one of the greatest anime series ever.Rahxephon comes highly recommended and for some parts of the series, it is the best Anime around. It very rarely gets better than this. 9/10

4A wonderful little, over looked program.

Posted: 31/08/2007

Gunparade March is a lovely little program which seems to have gone unnoticed by large. Whether by poor distribution or almost no advertising. But it doesn't change the fact, this a wonderfully low key, people driven show that needs to be seen. The program centers around a group of young Japanese students who have been recruited by their country to be part of a defense force against a mysterious alien enemy and 2 students in particular. Hayami Atsushi is the average, slightly goofy young man who is teamed up with the introverted, intense but talented transfer student Shibamura Mai to pilot a new and improved model of the project's mecha. The series focuses largely on the students and their lives rather than the day to day fighting of aliens and looks at the flip side of life away from the action, the consequences and the emotional effects of the young people involved. With a few nods to films such as Aliens and Starship Troopers plus other anime programs like Full Metal Panic! and Martian Successor Nadesico that crept up before it, this series has a fusion of romance, comedy, action and despair to keep you hooked to the last episode. (From Mai's secret of her heart to the death of a colleague or to the adventures of The Unlucky girl!) Whilst fan's of deeper or more action based anime such as Neon Genesis Evangelion, Z.O.E, Guyver or Detonator Orgun may find the slow pace boring, the more grown up crowd may thoroughly enjoy this series. As I did. The characters are wonderfully diverse, the music also and the action handled with precision and style. It proved to be a wonderful surprise and one that I recommend highly. Even if the series is all too brief. 8/10!!

4Beautiful, Stunning and Quintessentially So, Final Fantasy.

Posted: 31/08/2007

I have to say I feared the worst for Advent Children when I heard that it was getting wonderful feed back from the Venice showing but wasn't getting a Theatrical release. That coupled with the delayed release, time and time again outside of Japan. But after finally seeing the film upon it's release on DVD here in England I can safely say that my fears are unjustified. The film takes place 2 years after the game and follows on the plot seamlessly. (Which would explain why this never made it to a Cinema near you!....Soon!) Reintroducing the main characters in style and atmosphere and introducing new ones at such a break neck speed that you almost and I mean almost don't have time to take it all in.

It's no exaggeration to say that almost everything about this film works as a plus. The CG work is stunning, including character design, vehicles and landscapes. (Cloud and Tifa have certainly never looked better with masses of attention to detail) The fight scenes are fast and frenetic with flashes of super slow-mo's and CG only attainable camera angles and movements. Special notes here for the Tifa and end fights which show the Wachowski Brothers just how a CG fight should be done and done right without a trace of boredom or silliness. The soundtrack, from long servicing FF composer, Nobue Uematsu works wonderfully, composing all new versions of the game's original soundtrack and blending them into a rock/ambient soundtrack that truly adds energy and sadness in equal measure. It even contains new tracks that show he can do film scores at the highest level. Both the Japanese and English casts are also spot on with strong performances from Steve Burton/ Takahiro Sakurai as Cloud and special mention to a beautifully understated and subtle voicing from Mena Suvari (Of American Pie/Beauty Fame) as Aeris/Aerith Gainsborough. Don't get me wrong. This film isn't perfect. Some of the script is a little clumsy, whilst first time film director Tetsuya Nomura can be a little impatient and abrasive with his editing and camera movements but these are very minor points after all, to what is a very impressive start to what I hope with be a great film career. (Should he choose it) A note about the Turks duo of Reno and Rude must be made here, they can be a take it or leave it case. Either annoying you greatly or amusing you just the same. I recommend this film greatly, whether it's for fans of the game or even if not and it's finally nice to see that rarest of things in the movie world. A game based film that actually works! It's just a pity that this film hasn't got the exposure it deserves and believe me, it deserves all the plaudits it gets. Take Note Hollywood. 9 out of 10 Guys and Girls!

4A very pleasing Result!

Posted: 31/08/2007

Whilst this film doesn't hit the mark in every category. The Conqueror of Shamballa is a hugely enjoyable reunion piece. Whilst it doesn't answer all the questions of the series and even worse, leaves some issues unresolved. It does add plenty of great quotes, scenes, action and comedy. Plus some lovely nods to director Fritz Lang and some historical key points from WW2.

Whilst the plot will surprise and maybe even disappoint FMA fans, with the film mostly based on Earth. The film does suffer from this, hence the 4 stars and takes some getting used to but it is beautiful to watch and brave and bold in it's scenes and approach. Dealing with brother and family themes as well as racism in the world we live. This film even goes as far as reminding me of Hayao Miyazaki work which is always a very good thing.Solid and very, very watchable with repeat viewings in mind. You really can't go wrong with a purchase here.4 Stars - Be warned, you must have seen all of the series to be able to watch and enjoy this film.

4A very pleasing Result!

Posted: 23/05/2007

Whilst this film doesn't hit the mark in every category. The Conqueror of Shamballa is a hugely enjoyable reunion piece. Whilst it doesn't answer all the questions of the series and even worse, leaves some issues unresolved. It does add plenty of great quotes, scenes, action and comedy. Plus some lovely nods to director Fritz Lang and some historical key points from WW2.

Whilst the plot will surprise and maybe even disappoint FMA fans, with the film mostly based on Earth. The film does suffer from this, hence the 4 stars and takes some getting used to but it is beautiful to watch and brave and bold in it's scenes and approach. Dealing with brother and family themes as well as racism in the world we live. This film even goes as far as reminding me of Hayao Miyazaki work which is always a very good thing.Solid and very, very watchable with repeat viewings in mind. You really can't go wrong with a purchase here.4 Stars - Be warned, you must have seen all of the series to be able to watch and enjoy this film.

5Hollywood's Bench Mark.

Posted: 23/05/2007

Ghost in The Shell is perfect. There is no doubts about that in my head as I write this review. The animation still looks amazing to this day but it is the story and ideas of the future that captivates and holds you. A world of bleak and evil lifestyles that scarily seems so believable.Ghost followed Akira into the must have status of the genre. But the difference being, Ghost have become the bench mark and the water well of ideas that is still fuelling Hollywood today. Spawning the likes of The Matrix, Equilibrium, Blade and adversely V for Vendetta and Ultraviolet as well as inspiring James Cameron after it's release. Itself has a few nods to the Classic 'Blade Runner'. But this is writing and film making of the highest order.5 Stars - A must, along with it's Sequel and the Three GIG series that followed. Please don't be put off by it being animated!

5Defining a Genre!

Posted: 23/05/2007

Violence, sex, blood, decapitation! Well it's why it defined Anime. Along with Akira, Ninja Scholl is the must see film for anime beginners. The films plot is paper thin but this isn't a problem as you'll be whisked away into a world of demons, samurai and tongue in cheek that you'll hardly ever have time to catch your breath. A must film for all film lovers, never mind Anime lovers!It doesn't get much better.5 Stars.If you like Kawajiri, watch for his excellent Vampire Hunter D sequel: Bloodlust and his new Highlander movie. (Highlander: The Search for Vengeance )

4Top Quality from the Bebop Team!

Posted: 23/05/2007

From the opening scene to the close. This film is visually excellent, exciting to behold with wit and charm thrown in. The dialog is as always with Bebop, sharp and clever and the characters wonderful to watch and study. Even at near 2 hours the film never stops delivering even with it's slower elements eased with humor or intrigue. This will be loved by the fans and even by those who aren't I'm sure.For guns, martial arts, government plots, super soldiers and more, check out this most western style of eastern animation.4 Stars

3Spectacular but Strange!

Posted: 23/05/2007

The long awaited film from Akira's director is unfortunately not a patch on that film or his Cannon Fodder work on Memories. The film is muddled and messily directed with too many ideas trying to face off in a story that really makes no sense at all to the viewers. It's visually beautiful and has very interesting characters, starting well at a break neck speed but the film sags during the middle third and enters chaos for the last.Well worth a view but trust me this is by far from a great film with Anna Paquin (Rogue for X-men) very mis-cast.3 Stars

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